Which of the following describes common symptoms of asthma?

• A. Shortness of breath only
• B. Wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath due to inflamed airways
• C. Itching and rash all over the body
• D. Fever and body aches

Answer: (B)

Asthma symptoms come from inflammation of the airways that narrows them and makes breathing difficult. When triggers irritate the airways, they swell, produce extra mucus, and the surrounding muscles tighten, reducing airflow. This produces the familiar pattern: wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. These symptoms often occur together and can worsen at night or with exercise. Other options don’t fit because itching and widespread rash suggest a skin allergy, fever and body aches point to infection, and shortness of breath alone doesn’t describe the typical combination seen with asthma.